Lakeport couple charged for injury to a child

LAKEPORT &GT;&GT; A father and his girlfriend were arrested and charged with felony corporal injury to a child on Thursday after officers investigated a claim of abuse.

At about 1 p.m., Lakeport Police Department (LPD) officers were dispatched to investigate the report of child abuse, according to Chief Brad Rasmussen. Officers met with reporting family members who advised and presented evidence that a 5-year-old girl was abused while in the custody of her father and father's girlfriend at a home in Lakeport. Officers began an investigation and contacted the Lake County Department of Social Services-Child Protective Services Department (CPS) and Lake County District Attorney and District Attorney Victim/Witness Program offices (LCDA) for assistance, Rasmussen stated.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., officers and an LCDA Victim/Witness advocate interviewed the victim at a residence just outside of the city. Information obtained during the interview with the girl was consistent with the original report. Officers immediately ordered the victim to be taken into protective custody, under the authority of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, and turned over to CPS for care pending the outcome of the investigation, Rasmussen stated.

About two hours later, officers interviewed both suspects, Charles Anthony Dougherty, 31, and Jennifer Lynn Elsa, 32, both of Lakeport, and determined that sufficient facts existed to charge both with felony unlawful corporal punishment to a child causing injury, Rasmussen stated.

Officers allege the abuse occurred on July 4 at a residence on North Main Street in Lakeport during the city fireworks show on Clear Lake off Library Park, which was reported to be visible from the residence, Rasmussen stated. The victim was allegedly told that she was being disciplined and could not watch the fireworks show. However, while the suspects were outside, they reportedly saw the victim looking out the window. The parents then returned inside and allegedly struck her, which resulted in injury.

Just after 6 p.m. on Thursday, Elsa and Dougherty were both arrested and transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility where they were booked to be held on bail of $75,000.

"Our follow-up investigation on this case is expected to continue throughout (Friday) and we expect to file it with the LCDA for review regarding charges on Monday," Rasmussen stated.